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UK NEWS 6/9
Burnham opens slavery apology talks at Commonwealth summit
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has begun discussions about a formal British apology for the slave trade at the Commonwealth summit in Antigua.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has begun talks with Commonwealth leaders about a formal British apology for Britain's role in the transatlantic slave trade at the Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda. Burnham said he is 'open' to an apology and will launch a 'structured dialogue' with affected nations to shape its form, departing from his predecessors' approach. He has ruled out direct financial reparations but announced £40 million in aid for Caribbean infrastructure and green energy over three years, and plans for a 'debt reset' to help poorer Commonwealth countries with repayment costs. King Charles is expected to speak about slavery with 'sincere sorrow' and 'unflinching honesty' at the summit opening, though will not offer an apology himself. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch warned that an apology would intensify calls for compensation, arguing Britain should not pay reparations. Antigua's Prime Minister Gaston Browne said Badenoch was 'misguided' for opposing reparations.
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